Research Highlight @en

The analysis of the human genome showed that our DNA contains fewer genes than most scientists expected – and that most are more like archipelagoes than compact islands. A gene’s sequence usually contains several protein-encoding segments, called exons, which are separated by long, non-coding sequences called introns. These have to be removed to create a […]

How do cells reduce their volume? This question has teased biologists for decades. After four years of work, Thomas Jentsch’s group has come up with an answer. Together with the Screening Unit, a technology platform jointly run by our neighboring institute, the FMP, and the MDC, the group identified a single gene of previously unknown function […]

Evolution has produced quality control systems that permit our cells to detect and destroy defective messenger RNAs before they go on to produce faulty proteins. Markus Landthaler’s group has now discovered how a protein called an RNA helicase helps process RNAs so that they can be destroyed or recycled. The work appeared in the May […]

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MDC in the News

Clinical study conducted by German researchers at the Max Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine (MDC) and the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, has demonstrated the use of metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) genetic test for prognosis of colon cancer.Medicaldevice-Network, 28.07.German researchers show use of MACC1 genetic test in colon cancer

The calls of new-born mice draw the attention of their mother. A group of neuronal cells in the brain stem, which coordinate exhalation and tension of muscles in the larynx is essential for this process. Without these cells, the mice are muteScience Daily, 31.07.How mice babies ensure mother’s protection

Recent research has revealed many surprises about circular RNAs, from findings that they are translated in vivo to links between their expression and disease.The Scientist, 17.07.2017Uncovering Functions of Circular RNAs